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Despite rumors, JJ treating 'every day like normal'

Despite rumors, JJ treating 'every day like normal'

MIAMI -- Sunday's series finale against the Padres could very well be Josh Johnson's last start in a Marlins uniform, with the rumor mill swirling and non-waiver Trade Deadline looming.

But it's not something that had crossed the two-time All-Star's mind until reporters brought it to his attention before Saturday's game.

"Not 'till now," Johnson said. "Seriously. You don't really think about it. Just go out there every day like normal."

With a large contingent of scouts in attendance during his start on Monday, including representatives from the Rangers, Johnson pitched his best outing of the season.

The 28-year-old retired 18 of 19 batters in six innings before his right middle finger nail began digging into his skin, which caused a cut that bled after each pitch.

"There's no reason to [think about trades]," said Johnson, who is 6-7 with a 4.14 ERA in 20 starts this season. "If it's going to happen, it's going to happen. If not, then I'm still here, which is what I want. No reason to sit there and worry about what I'm going to do if this happens or this happens or where I'm going to go if they come get me today or tomorrow or the next day."

Johnson's four-year, $39 million contract runs through 2013. His season was cut short last year because of right shoulder inflammation.

"Baseball's a business," Johnson said. "You learn that really quickly. I learned that after my first season when I was only up here for three weeks. Guys might be gone after this year, and [I] said there's no way, and [I] come back the next season and there's a whole different team."